How to tie a Hermès carré: the complete guide

Before you start:

There's only one starting step for all techniques: fold the square diagonally to form a triangle. A tight fold for a minimalist look, a loose fold for a more bohemian style.

For decades, Hermès has distributed "knotting cards" in its boutiques—a small booklet illustrated with folding techniques. If you have one, keep it safe. Otherwise, this guide will do the trick.

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Around the neck: timeless classics

The simple knot

The basic technique. The one Grace Kelly wore, the one everyone recognizes.

1. Fold the square into a triangle

2. Roll it from the point to the base to form a long strip

3. Place the strip around your neck, with the ends in front

4. Tie a simple knot—at the front, on the side, slightly askew

5. Adjust the volume according to your body type

The secret: don't tie it too tight. The silk needs room to breathe.

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The tie knot

A more structured knot, very chic with a white shirt or a blazer.

1. Fold the square into a triangle

2. Roll it into a thin strip

3. Pass the strip around your collar

4. Tie a simple knot at the front, like a tie

5. Let both ends hang freely or tuck them into the collar

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The bow tie

1. Fold into a triangle, roll into a strip

2. Tie at the front

3. Form two loops like a bow tie

4. Adjust the loops to be symmetrical

Ideal with a round-neck dress or a boat neck.

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The dérapé

The most casual and Parisian technique.

1. Fold the square into a triangle

2. Place the point on your shoulder

3. Let the two ends fall freely down your back and over your chest

4. Tie very loosely, or not at all

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The Babushka

Worn around the neck like a miniature shawl.

1. Keep the square unfolded or folded into a large triangle

2. Place the point facing forward

3. Bring the two ends behind your back

4. Cross them and bring them back to the front

5. Tie on your chest or let them hang

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In the hair: from headband to turban

The headband

Simple, effective, timeless since Brigitte Bardot.

1. Fold the square into a triangle

2. Roll it from the point to the base

3. Place the strip on top of your head

4. Bring the two ends to the nape of your neck

5. Tie a simple knot or a bow tie

Wear it tight for a 60s effect, loose for a bohemian effect.

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The headband on a ponytail

1. Tie your ponytail

2. Wrap the square—rolled into a strip—around the elastic

3. Tie a simple knot and let the two ends hang down

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The turban

The most voluminous and spectacular technique.

1. Place the square flat on your head, point facing forward

2. Bring the two ends to the back

3. Cross them at the nape of your neck

4. Bring them to the front

5. Tie a knot on top of your head

6. Tuck the front point into the knot

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The crossed shawl

1. Place the square flat on your back

2. Bring the two corners to the front

3. Cross them over your chest

4. Bring them to the back and tie in the back

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On the bag: the accessory that changes everything

The simplest and one of the most elegant techniques.

1. Roll the square into a strip

2. Tie it around the handle of your bag

3. Let the two ends hang freely—or tie a bow tie

Ideal with a twilly scarf

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At the waist: the scarf belt

1. Roll the square into a thin strip

2. Pass it through your pants loops like a belt

3. Tie at the front—simple knot or bow tie

4. Let the ends hang down

On a dress, simply tuck the square at the waist and tie on the side.

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Which technique for which size?

Size	Recommended techniques
Gavroche 70 cm	Simple knot, headband, bag
Square 90 cm	All techniques
Shawl 140 cm	Cape, crossed shawl, turban
Twilly	Bag, wrist, ponytail

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Mistakes to avoid

Tying too tight—the silk loses its fluidity and the knot loses its natural look. Hermès silk should have movement.

Using pins—they irrevocably damage silk threads. Never use pins on an Hermès carré.

Leaving the same knot for too long—creases form. Untie and re-tie regularly.

Ignoring the size of the square—a 70 cm Gavroche will not allow for the same techniques as a 90 cm square. Choose the technique appropriate for the size.

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The Silk Knots app

Hermès has developed a free application "Silk Knots" which offers video tutorials to learn new folding techniques. It is the official reference of the House for knotting techniques. Available on iOS and Android.

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Frequently asked questions

How to tie an Hermès square around the neck? The basic technique is to fold the square into a triangle, roll it into a strip from the point to the base, then place it around the neck and tie a simple knot at the front or on the side. The silk should not be tight, the knot should have volume and movement.

How to tie an Hermès square in the hair? The simplest technique is the headband: fold the square into a triangle, roll it into a strip, place it on top of the head, and tie it at the nape of the neck. For more volume, the turban involves placing the square flat on the head and crossing the ends on top of the skull.

Can an Hermès square be tied on a bag? Yes—simply roll the square into a strip and tie it around the handle of the bag.

Which technique for a 70 cm Hermès Gavroche? The 70 cm size is particularly suitable for a simple knot around the neck, a headband in the hair, and bag decoration. Voluminous techniques such as the turban or cape require the 90 cm square.

Is there an app to learn how to tie an Hermès square? Yes—Hermès offers the free application Silk Knots, available on iOS and Android. It provides video tutorials updated each season with new knotting techniques.

Can an Hermès square be worn at the waist? Of course, by rolling it into a thin strip and passing it through the belt loops of pants like a belt, or simply tying it at the waist of a dress.

How to prevent the knot from slipping? Hermès silk tends to slip on certain fabrics, especially smooth synthetic materials. To keep the knot in place, make a double knot rather than a single one, or tuck the square under the collar of your garment to hold it naturally.